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6 Great Lipsticks for People Who Hate Lipstick

Confession time: As a rule, I detest lipstick. As fun as it is to play with different colours—whether it's a gorgeous berry stain, a brown-tinged '90s throwback moment, or even Rihanna-inspired green—the hassle of most formulas just isn't worth the escapism to me. I hate that I can't take a sip of coffee or eat a snack without worrying about finding smudges across my face or on my teeth; I hate the constant need for reapplication; I hate that most matte formulas (and many creamy ones) are horribly drying on my pout. I could go on and on, and it's for these reasons that I stick with just a swipe or two of nude-coloured lip liner most days.

My standards may be somewhat ridiculous, but they're not impossible. The select few lipsticks that do meet my criteria are nothing short of stellar, IMO—and to be sure, I consulted with my fellow Byrdie editors as well as some other beauty-savvy (and equally picky) friends. Keep reading for the formulas that even lipstick-averse folks can get behind.

Not-so-fun fact: Our lips are one of the first areas of our faces to show the effects of ageing, and moisturising lipstick was formulated to combat just that. The non-feathering, satiny finish is just a bonus.

Yet another semi-matte tint in our lineup (what can we say, apparently it's a winning genre), Rituel de Fille's Enchanted Lip Sheers are all about head-turning pigment without any unnecessary additives. That means your pout gets an adjustable pop of colour and a huge dose of hydration that lasts all day long (even through lunch and snacks, trust us). Speaking from experience, you'll want to collect every hue.

Matte lovers, take note: Urban Decay's offering was specifically crafted to evade that flaky, parched feeling that many products tend to leave behind. In fact, a hydrating blend of avocado and olive oils ensures just the opposite, without sacrificing any durability.

Have any lipstick formulas you swear by? Call them out in the comments below!